Features
Overview: The Niles Audio SI (System Integration) Amplifiers are
designed to power your custom-installed Audio-Video system. They are constructed
with the finest materials available, including 1% metal film resistors, high
quality capacitors, and oversized heat sinks, that can properly cool the unit
without the need for a noisy fan. The SI-1650 is a high-current 16-channel
amplifier that can help you interface multiple sources into multiple zones.
IP Configurable: Each of the amplifier's 16 channels are
fully configurable via a unique web browser configuration tool that allows each channel to select
from any of the 16 inputs or combination of inputs. The BusMatrix Selector gives
you total control of every channel's EQ adjustment, volume level, and high-pass
or low-pass filter settings, all from the web browser. The SI-1650 has its own
IP address, and an RJ-45 TCP/IP network connection to the LAN or Ethernet
switch. The BusMatrix Selector can be used on a PC, iPad, or Tablet.
Power Output: The SI-1650 16-channel power amplifier provides
50 watts RMS per
channel at 8 ohms, and 100 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms with all channels
driven. You can bridge adjacent channels to 100 watts RMS into 8 ohms.
Bus Matrix Line Level Inputs: The SI-1650 amplifier has a
single gold-plated RCA input jack for each channel.
Cascade Audio Outputs: The unit's Cascade Audio Outputs
enable you to daisy-chain another amplifier, by connecting the preamp outputs of
the SI-1650 to the input of the second amplifier. Each channel has a single
gold-plated RCA output jack. The outputs are not buffered,
so if you wish to daisy-chain more than 5 Niles SI Amplifiers, you will need a
buffered distribution amplifier, such as the Niles AVDA-3.
Bridging Adjacent Channels: The amplifier's 16 channels are
configured in pairs (1&2, 3&4, etc.). Each channel can be used independently (50
watts) or bridged to provide more power (100 watts) to speakers in large rooms
or for outdoor speakers. During bridging, the odd-numbered amplifier channels
will output the bridged signal, while its even-numbered adjacent amplifier
channel is deactivated. There is no physical bridging switch on the amplifier;
the bridging configuration is set up through the BusMatrix Selector web browser
application.
Speaker Terminals: The amplifier is equipped with binding post speaker terminals. The terminals will accept single-banana plugs, pin connectors, and bare wire up to 12-gauge. For
most applications, 16- or 18-gauge wire is recommended. For wiring runs longer
than 80 feet, 14-gauge wire is recommended.
Note: The speaker terminals are spaced too far apart for
dual-banana plugs. They also have a collar around them that prohibits the
use of spade lugs.
Speaker Loads: Each channel can drive a 4-ohm load, allowing
you to connect no more than two 8-ohm speakers, or no more than one 4-6 ohm
speaker. A channel pair that has been bridged can handle an 8-ohm load. Proper
ventilation of the amplifier is required when driving lower impedance loads or
if bridging channels.
Independent Level Controls: Through the Configuration and
Setup Tool, the SI-1650 offers independent level controls
for each channel, allowing you to set the volume in each zone, or
compensate for sonic imbalances created by room size or architecture. You can
also use the volume controls to limit the volume to certain zones to prevent
abuse.
Equalization: Equalization can be applied to each of the 16
channels, through Room EQ Presets or Manual EQ. You can assign a Room EQ preset
to any channel as Flat, Small, Large, or Outdoor. Manually, you can select or
deselect Loudness, Low Cut, or High Cut, plus you can use the individual arrow
buttons on the browser to adjust volume, bass, midrange, treble, midrange center
frequency, and midrange bandwidth.
Turn-on Modes: For convenience, the SI-1650 offers three turn-on modes.
Using the 3-way switch on the back panel, you can choose from the following
modes:
- Manual Turn-on: The amplifier is turned on and off using the
front panel Master power switch. The automatic turn-on circuitry is turned
off. (Switch position: Constant)
- Music Sense: The amplifier turns on automatically when the
presence of an audio signal is detected on any of the audio inputs.
When the audio signal is no longer detected, the amplifier turns itself off
after approximately 2 minutes. (The front panel Master switch must be in the
On position, and the Turn-on Mode switch position is set to Audio Sense.)
- External Trigger: The amplifier turns on automatically when a
signal is detected at the 3.5mm AC/DC trigger input. Once the Trigger
voltage is turned off, the amplifier automatically turns itself off. Voltage
triggers can be supplied by a variety of sources, including surround sound
processors, video projectors, and automated switchers. The trigger signal
must be 3-24 volts AC or DC, 20 mA or greater. (The front panel Master
switch must be in the On position, and the Turn-on Mode switch position is
set to 3-30V AC/DC Trigger Input.)
12-volt Control Output: In addition to the 12-volt Trigger Input, the
SI-1650 can be used to control other devices using 12-volt triggers, such as
motorized screens and curtains. When the
amplifier is powered on, a 12-volt DC (150 mA) signal is present at the 12V
Control Out 3.5mm mini-jack. (Polarity: tip = +)
Rack-mount Ears: The SI-1650 comes with a pair of rack-mount ears to
allow you to mount the amplifier in a standard equipment rack. The rack ears
attach to the sides of the amplifier chassis using the 4 installed screws. The
amp requires three rack spaces (3U) with the feet removed.
Note: A minimum of 7" of free air space must be provided above the
amplifier for proper ventilation.
Independent Protection Circuits: Each channel his its own
independent thermal and short circuit protection. If a problem occurs on one of
the channels, that channel will shut down, while the other channels continue to
play. Once the short has been removed or the temperature returns to normal, the
channel will resume regular operations. Separate bi-color LEDs on the front
panel for each channel will glow red if the protection circuit has been
activated on that channel, or green to indicate the amplifier is operating
normally.
Removable AC Cord: The SI-1650 comes with a 6' detachable,
heavy-duty power cord that allows you to unplug it either at the amp or at the
wall outlet. The amplifier uses an IEC 3-prong cord. The amplifier features an
auto-switching, 110V-230V power supply.
